Surrendering big plays, points, alarms OSU's Meyer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer met with his defensive coaches and players on Sunday. He wasn't handing out compliments.

Ohio State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) kept its record clean even though the defense was gashed for 49 points, 481 yards and numerous big plays in a narrow 52-49 win at Indiana on Saturday.

"Everyone was depressed," cornerback Travis Howard said of the Buckeyes' defenders.

Meyer called it "absurd" how many big gainers his defense surrendered and vowed to get more involved on that side of the ball.

Defensive coordinator Luke Fickell, like Meyer, declined to offer excuses, even though several players are out with injuries. He said that the Buckeyes need to find a way to finish games and hoped that his team learns from the victory.